By Garrison Murphy ’15
THE ROUNDUP
For Sam Minton ’14, Nelson Mandela’s words, “It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front,” represents how he tries to conduct himself every day.
Whether Minton is on the football field, in the classroom or participating in extracurricular activities such as Key Club or Big Brothers, Minton’s peers said he is a role model and caring leader.
Minton is the recipient of The Roundup’s “Man of the Year” award, given each May to one graduating senior.
“If I were to live up to, or have one role model on campus it would be him,” said Cade Knox ’16, who played football with Mintonand shares classes with him. “Every day he comes up to me and asks me how I’m doing, he really cares.”
Minton has played football for all four years and was a starting wide receiver throughout the 2013/2014 season.
Sean Roberton ’15 said he has known Minton since the fourth grade when they played youth football together. Minton and Roberton played varsity football together this past season.
“He’s an even better person than he is player, he’s just a great guy, I respect him 100 percent,” Roberton said. “He’s the nicest guy on campus; no one is nicer than him.”
Many of the students and teachers Minton has affected during the last four years said he also maintains a quality of quietness while still being a leader.
Mr. Chris Calderon, SJ, who said he came to know Minton through retreats, said Minton possesses characteristics that are unique in a student leader.
“He’s one of those kids … that will make a point, without drawing attention to himself, to stand out,” Mr. Calderon said. “Sam is the kind of leader that encourages the leadership of others, … as he affirms people’s strengths and goodness people notice he cares.”
Mr. Calderon also said Minton embodies the sense of communal leadership that Brophy cultivates in that everything he does is for the community instead of himself.
Minton said quietness is an attribute that helps him be an effective leader and role model.
“I’m not going to be the loudest guy, but … guys will gravitate towards that,” Minton said. “No one wants a guy that’s going to be out in front yelling at people, you have to walk the walk.”
Minton is also involved with service clubs such as the Red and White club, Big Brothers and work study, which he said he is most proud of.
“I’ve had a great experience here at Brophy, I think this is a great place and I really want to share my experience,” Minton said.
Outside of school, Minton said he worked as a youth group leader for his church’s middle school ministry.
Tony Pagnillo ’15 attends St. Patrick’s Church with Minton and said they both are involved in the Life Teen program.
“He’s a really active member of the church, all the kids look up to him,” Pagnillo said. “He’s almost too nice.”
Next year Minton said he hopes to pursue a business degree at Barrett, the honors college at Arizona State University, but hasn’t completely settled on career path or major.
